Log of using Dr. Tim's One and Only Nitrifying Bacteria

Hi all,

I've just re-set-up my 38G FW tank after having moved a couple of months ago. I needed to have the tank up and running a bit faster than fishless cycling would normally allow so I've opted to try Dr. Tim's One and Only Nitrifying Bacteria and this thread will serve as a log of my findings.

I received the bacteria this past Friday. It had come 2 day air from Wisconsin (Dr.'s Foster and Smith) and was in an insulated styrofoam pack with a cold pack. I bought two 2oz bottles and kept them refrigerated until this afternoon.

The tank was setup on Thursday night and I added Prime.

This morning I tested the water at about 10am using an API Freshwater Master Test Kit.


Feb 21, 2009 10AM
- Water Test
Ammo = 0ppm (I tested this twice as the water looked to have a very, very slight tinge of green to it, indicating the possibility of .25ppm. Second time was about the same though, but the water still looked more yellow to me than green)
NitrIte = 0ppm
NitrAte = 0ppm


This afternoon I added the bacteria and fish.

Feb 21, 2009 115PM
- Added 2oz of bacteria
- Began acclimating 5 Diamond Tetras (floated bag, added tank water every 15 minutes for an hour and fifteen minutes)


Feb 21, 2009 230PM
- Netted 5 Diamond Tetras out of bag and into the tank

They all looked just fine and seemed to be having a great time schooling around and exploring their new home. They ate a small meal later in the day and were very eager and aggressive eaters. Very active fish, I'm noticing.


Feb 21 2009 1105PM
- Water Test
Ammo = 0ppm (although, again it has the very, very, very slightest tinge of green, but it could just be my eyes playing games with me)
NitrIte = 0ppm
NitrAte = approx 5ppm (although it might be very slightly less than that)


All 5 tetras still seem very healthy and active and happy.



I will test again tomorrow and post the results. Assuming things stay the same, when should I begin adding more fish. I've also held off on adding the other bottle of bacteria to assist in increasing the biofilter when I do add more fish.


Thanks in advance for your input. I'll keep you all posted on any changes or updates.



- Wisegy84

kreesdqban said:

So would this be the same as Stress Zyme from AP?

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I didn't know what Stress Zyme was so I looked it up. Does not appear to be the same. I think Stress Zyme is probably more like what Cycle claims to be. This stuff is made by Dr. Tim Hovanec who worked at Marineland for years and it is essentially the replacement of Bio Spira.


Feb 22 2PM
- Began acclimating 3 more Diamond Tetras and added after an hour and fifteen minutes of floating the bag and periodically adding tank water. Then netted fish into tank.

The three newbies joined the other five in schooling around the tank. Fed a small meal and all greedily ate. Everyone seems happy and healthy and show no signs of disease.


Feb 22 900PM
-Water Test
Ammo = 0ppm
NitrIte = 0ppm
NitrAte = 5ppm

All 8 Diamond Tetras are still very active and appear to be quite happy and healthy with no signs of disease. No problems to report, but I will be testing daily for the next week or so, possibly adding a few more fish next weekend. I am still keeping the other 2oz bottle of bacteria refrigerated for when I begin to add more stock, specifically the cories.

Again, any input is welcome. And on that note (although I know it is a bit OT) if anyone has any input on a centerpiece fish to go with these tetras and a school of cories, that would be great.

- Wisegy84

shawnhu said:

Size of tank? Nitrate is a good sign that the cycle is working.

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It's a 38 gallon. Should I be seeing more nitrate than 5ppm once the biofilter becomes more established? Or does it all depend on the bioload?